Britains woodlands lead the world

Britain's public woods have been hailed among the most sustainable in the world after receiving their second international green stamp of approval.

The Forestry Commission has been successfully re-audited against the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS), confirming the nation's public woods are being managed sustainably.

This means consumers can be assured they are making a sustainable choice by buying British woodland products stamped with the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) logo. Timber, signs, outdoor furniture and venison are among the FSC certified goods produced by the Forestry Commission across Scotland, England and Wales.

FC Director General Tim Rollinson said the audit reflected the fact that Britain's woodlands were being managed to internationally recognised standards of sustainability.

"The Forestry Commission is the largest provider of public access and recreation in Britain and the largest manager of Sites of Special Scientific Interest," he said. "We're also the largest producer of wood - a top class, sustainable raw material.

"We have a UK Woodland Assurance Standard that is the envy of many countries in the world. Our forests, sustainably managed as this proves, can be infinitely sustainable. The products from them - whether they be wood or recreation and clean air - can boost the quality of our lives.

"What certification reinforces is that people can buy wood knowing it is renewable and sustainable, and that by doing so they are helping safeguard our precious forest and woodland resources for future generations."